Policy and training divided the two Issaquah School District school board candidates at an Oct. 17 candidate forum.

Appointed board member Allison Meryweather is attempting to win her first election for the position against Lisa Callan, who also applied for the board appointment earlier this year.

By Greg FarrarAlison Meryweather (left) listens as Lisa Callan answers a question during their Issaquah School District board candidate forum Oct. 17 with a full Issaquah City Council chamber and city cable television viewers in attendance.

“I discovered first hand the lack of funding our state provides our schools,” Meryweather said about her time on the board and volunteering in classrooms. “It’s not just about funding. It’s also about how we strategically invest those dollars.”

Callan said she believed her leadership roles in The Boeing Co. and a long history involved in the educational system qualifies her for the board position.

Mayoral candidates City Council President Fred Butler and City Councilman Joe Forkner restated major themes in a largely agreeable forum Oct. 17.

In one-minute answers, both candidates stuck to their agendas, which remain fairly similar.

“When I retired form Seattle City Light as their chief engineer, I decided to devote myself to public service,” Butler said during his opening statements. “I believe in sustainability. All decisions need to take in the three legs of sustainability: people, planet and prosperity.”

By Greg FarrarFred Butler (left) and Joe Forkner conclude their mayoral candidate forum Oct. 17 with a handshake and some laughter.

Forkner took the insider’s approach, citing his years of work within city government and as a board volunteer.

Mayor Ava Frisinger presented her final budget proposal, which includes $98.3 million in budgeted expenditures, to the City Council Oct. 7.

It includes adding a new human services manager and a police officer, increasing funding for “sustainable” efforts and $55,000 for a feasibility study into a campus to consolidate the locations of city services.

“I’m extremely proud to reflect on the last 16 years,” Frisinger told the council as she presented her budget to them. “Today, we’re planning for what’s next: a commitment to environmental protection, a strong economic base and a strong quality of life for our citizens.”

In quick order, the King County Boundary Review Board unanimously gave preliminary approval Oct. 10 to Issaquah’s annexation request for the Klahanie area.

Two long meetings were held last month where government representatives from Issaquah and Sammamish were joined by a slew of public opinion on the proposed annexation. The Boundary Review Board took the information given and returned with a decision for Klahanie voters to vote on whether Issaquah should include them in its borders.

“None of these are easy,” board member Robert Cook said as the board held informal discussion before a vote. “And a couple factors gave us some sleepless nights. The overriding fact is that the city of Issaquah is responding to a petition of residents that want to be a part of the city. They did what they were asked to do by the citizenry. They did what they are mandated to do by state law. There really aren’t any losers in this, because the citizens will vote on this and determine their own fate. It’s kind of a win-win.”

For the first time in six years, there’s a contested race for a seat on the Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District board of directors. One-term incumbent Bob Brady will face political newcomer Brett Muhlestein.

Brady said he wants another term because he feels he has unfinished work to do on the board.

Bob Brady

Brett Muhlestein

“We’re kind of in the middle of a lot of things, and I’d like to see it through,” the retired Boeing employee said.

In particular, there’s a new asset management system to put in place, and some troubles with the city of Issaquah.

November’s ballot initiative to label genetically modified food has caused a large split between local action and out-of-state funding.

Initiative 522 will ask voters whether the state should enforce labeling on genetically modified foodstuffs when sold in Washington.

“This measure would require most raw agricultural commodities, processed foods, and seeds and seed stocks, if produced using genetic engineering, as defined, to be labeled as genetically engineered when offered for retail sale,” the Nov. 5 ballot reads.

The question has stirred the state on both sides of the Cascades, and Issaquah residents and leaders have taken to the issue.

A $10 million bond to fund parks and recreation improvements is before city voters in the November election.

The proposed bond follows an intensive citizen process, which brought together a public commission to lead a public hearing and then offer recommendations to the Parks Board, which in turn led to City Council approval in July.

As it comes to voters when the ballots are mailed Oct. 16, the proposition clearly outlines how the money will be used.

After 13 years on the Issaquah City Council, Fred Butler says he is ready to lead.

As an avid member of the public, involved in numerous service organizations and regional groups, Butler launched his campaign for mayor early this year. When Mayor Ava Frisinger said she would not seek a fifth term, it came as no surprise that the longtime council president and Sound Transit Board member would seek the position.

Fred Butler

“When I retired, I decided to devote my energies to public service,” Butler said. “I’ve been in a leadership position ever since. With this depth and breadth of experience, well, I think I’m ready.”

He worked for 27 years in the Army Corps of Engineers, giving what he believes is an exemplary level of qualification for the position of mayor.

As he moves stridently forward in what he admits is an “underdog” mayoral campaign, the multitasking commission, committee and City Council member hopes to translate some of his many experiences into responsible administration leadership.

He has worked in three governments and volunteered countless hours in citizen groups and spent seven years on the City Council. Forkner, 60, considers this variety of roles a strength.

Joe Forkner

“You get a perspective having been on both sides of the table,” Forkner said. “I’ve seen a lot of things in the past 20 years, and I think it’s time to get somebody to balance the future with the cost.”